Day Camp
ENDLESS SUMMER FUN!
- Magdalena Ecke Family YMCA
Get ready for a summer full of fun, friends and adventure. Below, you’ll find camp descriptions, dates, pricing and direct registration links to help you find the perfect camp!
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ABOVE AND BEYOND
At the YMCA of San Diego County, we believe all kids deserve the chance to experience the life-changing power of camp. Since 1882, our camps have inspired kids with countless opportunities to laugh, lead and build lasting friendships. Discover all the fun waiting for YOU!
FIND YOUR NEXT ADVENTURE!
FIND YOUR CAMP!
SUMMER 2026
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ECKE: Magdalena Ecke Family YMCA | ME: Mission Estancia | GC: Gymnastics Center
DEAR FAMILIES,
Whether your camper is joining us for their very first summer or returning for year five (or more!), they’re in for something truly special. Summer 2026 marks my 15th summer with the Ecke YMCA camp department, and it never stops being a privilege to witness the growth, confidence, friendships and pure joy that unfold each season. There’s nothing quite like summer camp — it’s where laughter is constant and memories are made that last long after summer ends. This year is shaping up to be an incredible one, filled with adventure, connection, and opportunities for campers to try something new, step outside their comfort zone, and build lasting friendships. We are so grateful to share this journey with your family and honored to be a part of your child’s summer story. Together, we’re creating a summer that will truly be one for the books. We’re excited to introduce new camp offerings, along with a few new engaging options for our older youth and teens. Camps will be hosted across three locations: the Magdalena Ecke YMCA, Mission Estancia Elementary, and our Gymnastics Center in Carlsbad. We can’t wait to welcome you and your camper for another unforgettable summer at the Y!
Brittney Lingenfelter, Camp Director
JOIN US FOR OVERNIGHT CAMPS
Camp Marston | Camp Surf | Raintree Ranch
There’s something truly special about the YMCA of San Diego’s three overnight camps. At camp, kids unplug from screens, connect with nature and find joy in discovering how just how capable they are.
CAMP LOCATIONS
Magdalena Ecke FAMILY YMCA
760-942-9622 | ymcasd.org/ecke
MISSION ESTANCIA ELEMENTARY
3330 Calle Barcelona, Carlsbad, CA 92009
MAGDALENA ECKE FAMILY YMCA GYMNASTICS CENTER
2261 Cosmos Court, Carlsbad, CA 92011
(760) 942-9622 ext. 1409
CAMP HOURS
Our full-day camps will give your camper an unforgettable experience.
Drop off: 8:00am – 8:45am
Full-day camp hours: 8:00am – 4:00pm
Pick up: 3:00pm – 4:00pm
Extended Camp: 4:00pm – 5:30pm*
*Additional fee & registration required; extended hours are not offered at the gymnastics center
contact information
CAMP DIRECTOR: Brittney Lingenfelter
CAMP DISPATCH (ONLY AVAILABLE DURING CAMP)
760-497-8041
MAGDALENA ECKE FAMLY YMCA
For registration and general inquiries:
760-942-9622
ymca access scholarship program
Apply at ymcasd.org/access or pick up a confidential application at our front desk. We also accept third party payments from agencies such as CDA, CRS, KINSHIP and Cal-Works. To learn about or apply for state child care funding assistance, please visit childcaresandiego.com.
OUR CAMP STAFF
We take pride in hiring the best people to fill our camp staff. Each camp leader was hand selected through an extensive hiring process to ensure the safest environment for everyone.
OUR TRAINING PROGRAM INCLUDES:
- CPR and First Aid certification
- Behavior guidance and trauma informed care
- Child protection and abuse prevention
- General risk management and prevention
- Support campers with special needs
- Pool safety
- Heat and sun protection safety
HOW TO REGISTER
REGISTER ONLINE
REGISTER IN-PERSON
Walk in to the Welcome Center at your branch
YMCA members save on camp pricing! Y Community Plus members receive up to 15% off, and Y Community members save up to 10% off the nonmember rate.
Update your MY Y ACCOUNT
Prior to registration day, please log in to your My Y Account to make sure your profile is complete with payment method, valid email address, etc. If you are new to the Y, you can set up your account now.
TYPICAL CAMP DAY
8:00-9:00am
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Daily Drop-Off
9:00-9:30am
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Daily Orientation
9:30-10:35am
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Activity Rotation 1
10:45-11:50am
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Activity Rotation 2
11:50am-12:30pm
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Lunch
12:30-1:15pm
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Squad Time
1:25-2:30pm
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Activity Rotation 3
2:30-3:00pm
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Spirit Stick
3:00-4:00pm
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Closing and Camp Pickup
Times are subject to change
Most camps will spend two rotations focusing on their specialty activity. The additional two rotations that occur throughout the day are spent at our Activity Stations which include activities like arts and crafts, STEAM, songs, games and more!
A significant portion of the day is spent playing outside.
Please make sure you apply sunscreen to your kids before dropping them off.
Our Camps are ACA Accredited
The American Camp Association is the only nationwide organization that accredits children’s camps. The ACA Accreditation process is a commitment by camps to the highest standards of health, safety and program quality. Accreditation requirements include a focus on staff qualifications, training, supervision ratios and procedures, as well as operational management including safety regulations and emergency procedures and communications.
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Do you offer financial assistance?
We offer financial assistance through our Access Scholarship Program to qualified applicants, ensuring everyone has the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive.
Apply at ymcasd.org/access or pick up a confidential application at our front desk. We also accept third party payments from agencies such as CDA, CRS, KINSHIP and Cal-Works. To learn about or apply for state child care funding assistance, please visit childcaresandiego.com.
What do I need to send with my camper each day?
We will supply the atmosphere for a great camp experience and ask that you send your camper with a lunch, at least two snacks, a water bottle, sunscreen, hat and closed-toe shoes.
Campers will spend a significant amount of time outdoors. We recommend applying sunscreen before you get to camp and our camp staff will supply sunscreen to campers regularly throughout the day.
What happens if a day camp I want to register for is full?
If a camp is full, you may add your child to the waitlist. As spots open, families will be contacted in waitlist order until May 15, 2026. After May 15, the waitlist will be cleared, and families will receive an email inviting them to join the interest list, which will register on a first-come, first-served basis. Please note: families previously on the waitlist must add themselves to the interest list using the link provided in that email. Once the waitlist option closes, you can visit our website blog to view camp updates and alternative camp suggestions, families will also be emailed when new information is posted.
Can you tell me more about camp fees and deposits?
A nonrefundable deposit of up to $60 is required for each week of camp. Deposits are applied to the camp fee. Camp fees are the published rates in this brochure and are good up to the Monday before camp begins. To discuss payment options, please contact the branch.
When will information on the camp week be available?
General pre-camp emails will be sent out on the Tuesday prior to the start of camp.
What are Traditional Camps?
Traditional camps are ultra-spirited, fun-filled camps with weekly themes that guide activities for the week. New experiences, skill building, a sense of community and lasting friendships are all part of traditional day camp experience.
What are Specialty Camps?
Does your child have a specific interest or hobby? Looking for a camp that specializes in sports or STEM? Browse through the specialty camps section for camps that combine the traditional fun of YMCA day camps with the more specialized skills by providers or YMCA experts.